Two wild elephants that moved out of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary have caused significant concern among residents and farmers around Karjikoppa, near the Kannur–Kaanalli hill, after entering agricultural lands and damaging crops. Forest officials have been attempting to guide the animals back to their habitat, but the operation remains challenging due to fragmented wildlife corridors and thinning forest cover in the region.
Elephants move far beyond usual range
Forest officials report that the corridor linking Kaali Tiger Reserve in Dandeli to the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary has suffered severe fragmentation over the years. Reduced canopy and encroachment pressures across Soraba, Chandragutti, and Banavasi have further disrupted safe movement, pushing the elephants into human-dominated landscapes.
The issue is compounded by the widespread presence of illegal electric fencing in Soraba, posing grave risks to wildlife movement. DCF (Sagar division) Mohan Kumar, speaking to The Times of India, expressed confidence that the department could drive the elephants back to the sanctuary within two days, though terrain challenges and crop availability in the area continue to slow down the operation.
Three-week journey across Shivamogga region
The two elephants originally left Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary three weeks ago and travelled toward the Arasalu range near Ripponpet. Their journey included crossing the Shivamogga–Sagar Highway between Gilalagundi and Konehosur before settling briefly in the Kollibacchalu area.
After a short retreat, they re-entered the region and moved swiftly toward the Ambligola range, even crossing the backwaters of the Hosuru Dam at Peerana Kanive. From there, the tuskers entered the Bellanduru State Forest, eventually making their way to Baruru.
On Thursday evening, the forest department’s Sagar subdivision deployed teams to begin pushing the elephants back towards forested zones. Officials noted that the animals have temporarily found refuge around Uluvi village, where paddy and sugarcane fields offer abundant food, especially during harvest season.
Marginal farmers report crop losses
The presence of the elephants has resulted in crop destruction for several marginal farmers.
- Puttappa, a farmer from Patresalu village, reported damage to his paddy fields, leaving him distressed.
- Another farmer, Sandesh, stated that his pineapple crops had been destroyed by the elephants.
Forest staff have assured farmers that compensation procedures will follow once damage assessment reports are finalised.